Dr. Vinay Prasad, the FDA’s vaccine chief, has left the agency after less than three months in a move that drew criticism from biotech executives, patient groups, and conservative allies of President Donald Trump.
According to a spokesperson for the Department of Health and Human Services, Prasad is stepping down to spend more time with his family. However, two people familiar with the situation told The Associated Press that he was ousted following several recent controversies.
Prasad’s approach as a vaccine regulator drew scrutiny from critics who disagreed with his views on the FDA’s drug approvals and COVID-19 vaccines. He frequently criticized the FDA’s approach during his time at the University of California San Francisco, which made him a target for right-wing activists like Laura Loomer.
Loomer had flagged Prasad’s past statements criticizing Trump and praising liberal independent Senator Bernie Sanders, leading to speculation about Prasad’s appointment to the administration. The controversy surrounding Prasad’s handling of a recent safety issue with a gene therapy for Duchenne’s muscular dystrophy also drew attention.
The FDA’s decision to pause shipments of the therapy was criticized by some, including a columnist and the editorial board of The Wall Street Journal. Prasad’s division had also issued rejection letters to small biotech firms seeking approval for new gene therapies, which were seen as supportive of anti-abortion groups.
Prasad’s predecessor, Dr. Peter Marks, had overseen a significant increase in approvals for new gene therapies during his time at the FDA. Prasad has been an outspoken critic of Marks’ leadership and the FDA’s approach to approving these treatments. Dr. George Tidmarsh will take over as acting vaccine chief, following a decades-long career as a pharmaceutical executive and adjunct professor.
As the FDA continues to navigate complex issues related to vaccine approvals and gene therapies, it remains to be seen how Prasad’s departure will impact the agency’s approach to regulating these areas.
Source: https://apnews.com/article/vinay-prasad-fda-vaccines-laura-loomer-83030ad6eb7651095e3c40444dd69f12